Pictured: Studio Manager, Megan Powell Vreeswijk with
Graphic Communication graduates Frances Collins and Joanne
Lloyd (aka a dozen eggs)
Loughborough University launches its latest graduate enterprise
initiative, The Studio, today with the announcement of its first
cohort of creative graduates that are setting up new
businesses.
The Studio provides a dynamic and supportive environment for
graduates from the University's School of the Arts and Design
School to develop their ideas into commercially viable products,
services or social enterprises.
In addition to professional work space in the University's new
state-of-the-art Design School, each graduate member can access
University facilities, mentoring, business support and guidance.
Working as a creative community, the graduates will benefit from
mutual support and the exchange of skills and ideas.
Studio Manager, Megan Powell Vreeswijk, said: "We tailor
innovative packages for each graduate in the Studio, drawing on the
knowledge, facilities and practical support from across the entire
University. Working closely with our Academic Schools, we help
graduates access the resources and expertise they need to turn
great ideas into commercial successes."
The ten graduate companies include a number of innovative
product design ventures:
· Avo, a self-maintaining fish-tank
· Lumino, a solar blind for sky lights that converts into
a light for the evening
· Pure, a water purifying bottle for use in disaster
situations or by back packers
· Moulu, a coffee roasting and grinding machine and fair
trade supply service
· Allwright Homeware, hand printed textiles and homeware
items
They are joined by creative agencies such as Graphic
Communication graduates Joanne Lloyd and Frances Collins (aka a
dozen eggs) who are celebrating their commission to create a new
identity for Derby Grammar School. In addition to setting the tone
for the School's new marketing material, the duo is creating
vibrant décor for its foyer.
"Loughborough is very fortunate to have large numbers of highly
creative, entrepreneurial and capable students and graduates. In
2009/2010, 129 student and graduate business ventures were
established," said Professor Steve Rothberg, the University's Pro
Vice Chancellor (Enterprise). He concluded: "The Studio represents
another step forward in our continued investment in enterprise and
I wish its graduate members every success with their new
ventures."